How to Choose LED Lamps?

Release date: 2017-11-15 Source: External station Sharing: Share to QQ friends Share to QQ space Share to WeChat Share to Sina Weibo

LED lighting is set to become the fourth generation of illumination technology. Itâ€™s rapidly gaining popularity due to its energy efficiency, environmental friendliness, and long lifespan. Unlike traditional bulbs, LEDs donâ€™t flicker or emit harmful UV rays, making them much safer for eyes. Additionally, they donâ€™t attract insects, which is a big plus for outdoor use.

The key to a long-lasting LED lamp lies in its heat dissipation design. If properly engineered, high-power LED lights can last up to 3-5 million hours. The lifespan is defined as when the light output drops by 30% from its original level, meaning itâ€™s no longer effective for practical use. Even though the lamp might still be on, the brightness will have significantly decreased, which is why proper thermal management is crucial.

Some people mistakenly believe that LED lights lack color richness. However, modern LED technology uses blue chips to excite phosphors, creating white light. This process allows for a wide range of color temperatures and excellent color rendering.

When choosing LED lamps, consider the following factors:

1. **Color Rendering Index (CRI):** A higher CRI means better color accuracy. For indoor use, a CRI of 80-85 is considered very good.
2. **Color Temperature:** Measured in Kelvin (K), it determines the "warmth" of the light. Warm white (2700Kâ€“4000K) is ideal for bedrooms and living rooms, while cool white (5000Kâ€“6700K) suits offices and workspaces.
3. **Luminous Efficacy:** This measures how much light is produced per watt. Higher efficacy means brighter light with less power consumption.
4. **Light Decay:** LEDs naturally dim over time. Look for lamps with slower light decay rates for longer performance.

There are several common misconceptions about LED lamps:

- **Misunderstanding 1: High Lifespan Expectations**
While manufacturers often claim LED lifespans of 100,000 hours, this refers to mean time between failures (MTBF). In reality, light output gradually decreases over time. Proper thermal management and quality components are essential for longevity.

- **Misunderstanding 2: Confusing Effective Angle with Actual Illumination Angle**
The effective angle is where the light intensity is at least half of the center value. Always check the actual illumination angle when purchasing to ensure coverage meets your needs.

- **Misunderstanding 3: Assuming More Power = Brighter Light**
Brightness is measured in lumens, not just power. Two LEDs with different power ratings can have the same brightness depending on their design and efficiency.

- **Misunderstanding 4: Choosing White LED Modules Without Caution**
High-brightness white LEDs are sensitive to static electricity. Ensure they come with proper protection circuits to avoid damage.

In summary, when selecting LED lamps, focus on performance metrics like CRI, color temperature, luminous efficacy, and light decay rather than just power or lifespan claims. Always buy from reputable brands to ensure quality and reliability.